VehicleVerdict

2015 Subaru Outback transmission problems

The 2015 Subaru Outback has 37 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 6% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

37

Transmission complaints

6%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Outback transmission complaints by model year216 complaints1996: 5 complaints1997: 8 complaints1998: 21 complaints1999: 32 complaints2000: 44 complaints2001: 23 complaints2002: 20 complaints2003: 13 complaints2004: 10 complaints2005: 17 complaints2006: 18 complaints2007: 9 complaints2008: 12 complaints2009: 8 complaints2010: 94 complaints2011: 216 complaints2012: 107 complaints2013: 58 complaints2014: 25 complaints2015: 37 complaints2016: 45 complaints2017: 46 complaints2018: 14 complaints2019: 15 complaints2020: 46 complaints2021: 11 complaints2022: 16 complaints2023: 4 complaints2024: 6 complaints2025: 2 complaints
Outback transmission complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

15V502000TransmissionAugust 10, 2015 · 2,893 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.

Consequence

If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.

What owners report

“UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION AFTER PARKING, JUMP CURB INTO TREE, CAUSING $7,000 IN DAMAGE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, BOTH MYSELF AND PASSENGER HIT KNEES ON DASH, EVEN WITH OUR SEAT BELTS STILL ON. HAD OTHER COMPUTER ISSUES EARLIER THAT DAY, BACK UP SENSORS DIDN'T WORK WHILE BACKING CAR RIGHT BEHIND MINE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 9, 2017 · crash

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2015 Subaru Outback have?

NHTSA has 37 complaints about the 2015 Subaru Outback transmission — 6% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2015 Subaru Outback transmission?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the transmission: 15V502000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.